Have a fantasy hockey question? Ask away! Each week this NHL season, I’ll field your Twitter questions and you’ll get your answers every Friday as part of my weekly mailbag. No question is a bad question. (@thegoldenmuzzy)
Hello, Movember!
How much stock should be put into a hot first month by a skater? Judging by the data from the last couple of seasons, it appears not much.
In consecutive years, only one player in the Top 10 for points in October has gone on to conclude the regular season in that standing. (2017-18 – Nikita Kucherov, 2016-17 – Connor McDavid)
Keep that in mind as you continue to build your Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey Pool rosters. Recent history tells us that the cream will eventually rise to the top.
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Now to your questions:
Craig – @Craigers88
Is Patrik Laine worth targeting as a buy-low?
In fairness, this question was asked before Laine netted a hat trick in Finland on Thursday afternoon. I’ll answer it anyways.
You may laugh but I’d bet good money that Laine still finishes with 35-plus goals this season.
Historically, October hasn’t been very good to him. He has just 13 career goals in the opening month, six of which came in his rookie campaign. By the way, Laine potted 36 and 44 in his first two seasons, respectively.
If you can find someone foolish enough to trade Laine to you – whatever the price tag – you do it in a second.
Colin Brier – @lazarusparadise
With Auston Matthews out for a month, who are some sleeper centre options that I could pick up this late into the season?
Good question. Well, obviously it’ll be difficult to replace a player of that ilk completely but here are a few options that should help soften the blow.
Nazem Kadri – Toronto Maple Leafs – (Yahoo! – 66% Ownership)
– L2 with Patrick Marleau & Kasperi Kapanen; PP1
Dylan Larkin – Detroit Red Wings – (Yahoo! – 66% Ownership)
– L1 with Darren Helm & Anthony Mantha; PP1 & PK
Nico Hischier – New Jersey Devils – (Yahoo! – 56% Ownership)
– L1 with Taylor Hall & Kyle Palmieri; PP1
J.T. Miller – Tampa Bay Lightning – (Yahoo! – 52% Ownership)
– L1 with Steven Stamkos & Nikita Kucherov; PP1
Matt Duchene – Ottawa Senators – (Yahoo! – 44% Ownership)
– L1 with Ryan Dzingel & Mark Stone; PP1; Contract Year
Bill Lavictoire – @BillVictory
How concerned should fantasy owners be with Sergei Bobrovsky right now?
Another question asked before Thursday night. Bobrovsky made 44 saves in a 4-1 win in San Jose.
Much similar to many netminders around the NHL, he’s a notoriously slow starter. In fact, his worst statistical month is October (61 GP: 2.81 GAA, .908 SV%) Conversely, his career numbers in November are stellar. (69 GP: 2.30 GAA, .923 SV%)
Of course, this season offers the added caveat of a contract year for Bobrovsky. Some handle it better than others. Given his track record, there’s no reason for concern at this point.
He’ll turn it around.
Willy Gee – @Wgee1648
Are the Flyers going to be able to put out their tire fire? Or should people who own Simmonds and company start thinking of moving on?
For the time being, I would strongly advise against selling off on any of Philadelphia’s fantasy core. While goaltending is obviously a different story, I really like what the Flyers possess up front.
The only thing positive about Philadelphia’s opening month was its introduction of Gritty the mascot, and even that was met with some scrutiny. The numbers weren’t pretty (Goals per game – 23rd, Goals against – 30th, PP % – 22nd, PK % – 30th).
Aside from Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, no one really pulled their weight. Thursday night’s 5-2 win in Los Angeles was a start. I would slow play this situation to see how things turn out.
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Skippy Jones – @skoodle56
What’s your fantasy hockey expectation for Shea Weber once he returns?
In my initial fantasy thoughts to kick off the season, I advised all to stash Weber on injured reserve. He’s a massive x-factor not only in the fantasy world but also in reality, too.
The 33-year-old continues to skate routinely as he recovers from off-season knee surgery. There’s still no timetable for his return.
When he’s healthy enough to play, Weber will provide a significant boost across the board — including special teams — to a team already playing with an abundance of confidence. The Canadiens ranked 21st (16.3%) on the PP and 18th (77.5%) on the PK in October.
Despite missing substantial time, Weber should have no problem hitting at least the 30-point threshold again.
Kyle – @boringname11
What do the Oilers do with Jesse Puljujarvi going forward?
Damn – Puljujarvi is making my pre-season prediction look bad. I was hyping a big year but so far he’s been routinely eating his fair share of press box popcorn as a healthy scratch.
The 20-year-old was inserted back into the lineup on Thursday night. He received 11:04 of ice, mustering two shots on goal while being held pointless.
Sometimes young players need a kick in the proverbial keister. This isn’t head coach Todd McLellan’s first rodeo.
If Puljujarvi’s play doesn’t pick up, a stint in the American Hockey League may be in short order. And that’s okay. I have faith in him to figure it out eventually.
Emily – @emilymcphersun
Should I drop Tatar or wait it out? (14-team Yahoo! league)
After tallying eight points in his first six games, Tatar had just one assist in his previous six games entering into Thursday night’s contest. It appears he’s back on track after a two-assist performance.
Despite his recent struggles, Tatar is still playing over 16 minutes a night with top-line power-play time. Additionally, he’s averaging roughly three shots on goal a night and continues to skate with Brendan Gallagher and Phillip Danault.
I’d continue to own Tatar. I like what he’s bringing to the table in Montreal.
Stew S. – @stewsquared
When do you give up on Ryan Pulock?
Judging by his 37% ownership right now in Yahoo! Leagues, many have decided to bid farewell to Pulock. This fantasy file is a work in progress.
After a 10-goal, 32-point season, it’s been a frustrating start for Pulock. After tallying just one assist in his first nine games, the Manitoba native may be showing signs of turning a corner. He’s notched one goal and two helpers over the last three games. Baby steps. Pulock has way too much upside to stay this ineffective. Give him some time.
Tristan A. – @tristan_vncvr
Who will end up as Carolina’s No. 1 goalie?
Darling allowed three goals on 31 shots in a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins in his season debut on Tuesday night.
I truthfully think Carolina will give Darling a legitimate shot to be the top guy. Coming off a horrible first year with the Canes where he went 13-21-7 with a 3.18 GAA and a .888 save percentage, the 29-year-old reportedly had a monster off-season. We’ll see if his play will do the talking.
Given his career numbers before last year, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
Tommy Timmermann – @tommytimms
Tuukka Rask vs. Matt Murray. Who do you like more in fantasy hockey this season?
This is a very difficult question.
Obviously, Rask is better than what he has shown so far. Just look back to what happened last year. He could easily become unbeatable again.
It’s been a mixed bag so far for Matt Murray I’d say. One night tremendous, the other shaky. After a bit of a sophomore slump, I do anticipate the Thunder Bay, Ont., native getting back into the .920s in terms of save percentage. He’s just way too talented. There’s always the injury history to think about too.
Furthermore, I think Pittsburgh is a better team so I’ll side with Murray but not by much.
